Mary Etta Copeland, DHS vocal music director, said the standards for regional and state competition was perfection.

“That’ what we aim for,” she said. “I’m very pleased with the level of achievement and seeing the students catching on. And the non-musical achievement — understanding the process — is as important as the product.”

Copeland said students displayed learning along the way, as evidenced by the way they reacted and showed improvement.

“This year was a very good year,” she said. “Next year has something to reach for.”